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The happy couple
arriving at our wedding destination. But we were not to be disappointed. I have never experienced perfection . . . it just doesn’t register in my psyche. But for the first time in my life I was speechless, as the resort far exceeded my already high expectations. Nestled into a breathtaking peninsula, the resort is only accessible by boat and completely cut off from the rest of the world. The wooden villas are hidden by wild green foliage and transport around the resort was by bicycle or quaint electric golf buggy. Even with more than 50 villas, the place always felt practically empty as guests hid away in their own perfect minihotels, each with a pool, lounge and luxurious bedrooms. Each guest was also given their own butler who could run errands, book excursions, arrange spa treatments and was generally there to meet all your demands, any time of day or night. With unstoppable smiles on our faces, we immediately embraced our refreshing pool on our arrival, taking in the stunning views across the crystal clear blue bay. The resort has a variety of villas on the beach, right on the water’s edge and upon the hillside, which is the most private option and the
one we took. Thinking things couldn’t possibly get any better, the resort upped its game, from amazing to overwhelming, when it came to our wedding day. While Mark spent the morning snorkelling, I pampered my face, hands and feet at the villa, before our butler, Thai, collected me in the golf buggy and whisked me and my dress over to the wedding chapel. This was situated up 150 steps, giving it complete exclusivity but also panoramic views of the sea. The wedding planner then took me across to the wood-framed chapel, which was adorned with a florist-shop full of heart shaped white bouquets and hundreds of red rose petals on the glass floor. Having both decided to spend the ceremony barefooted, the cool glass floor was a welcoming feeling against the glorious searing sunshine. Below the glass was a layer of pebbles covered by a stream of water, which flowed into a waterfall beyond the chapel altar. The ceremony itself was simple but sensual, with the master of ceremonies alluding to the six senses (touch, taste, sight, sound, smell and ‘beyond’) and, as if on cue, a waft of sea breeze came through the chapel doors as we were
The ceremony was simple but sensual, with the master of ceremonies alluding to the six senses
asked to close our eyes and feel the sea air. We also recited our own personal handwritten vows, which were a surprise to one another and will always remain within those chapel walls. The next few hours were a whirlwind of surprises as we were first presented with a giant, tiered cream wedding cake, served more champagne and then driven to the beach in the golf buggy now covered with flowers and a trail of drinks cans behind it. On returning to our villa we were met with an array of colour and flickering lights, as flowers, petals and candles had been showered throughout the bathroom, bedroom, sun deck and pool. A symbolic heart had been also laid out in red petals
on top of the bed. But it didn’t end there. Next came more champagne and our own private seafood barbecue set up next to the pool. There was a vast display of fresh food, cooked up in front of us by our own chef and served by our own waiter. The rest of the honeymoon was a whirlwind of beautiful scenery, warm hospitality and amazing food. We were kindly hosted by the Victorian Hotel chain in Hoi An and Sapa along the way, who strive to provide the best accommodation and spa treatments in town. At Hoi An they are situated on a magnificent stretch of soft white sandy beach, which is delicately ploughed by a ox and wooden cart each morning. The bedrooms have a French colonial, Japanese or Vietnam style, tastefully decked out with wooden furnishings to a high specification. Meanwhile, at the somewhat dilapidated mountain town of Sapa, the Victoria is well known as the finest hotel, with striking views, plush decor and an exquisite restaurant. It even has its own OrientalExpress style train carriage (taking visitors both ways between Hanoi and Sapa) which is for hotel guests only and is well worth the extra money.
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